Europe

Spain

At a glance

A country of distinct regions

Spain is not a country with one single identity. Andalucía, Galicia, the Basque Country, Catalonia and many other regions each have their own traditions, cuisine, architecture and even languages. Travelling across Spain often feels like visiting several different countries in one journey.

Life starts later

Daily life follows a different rhythm from much of Europe. Lunch is the main meal of the day, dinner rarely starts before 8:30 p.m., and in many cities people remain outdoors socialising well past midnight, especially during the warmer months.

From Moorish palaces to Gothic cathedrals

Spain's history is reflected in its architecture. The Islamic heritage of Andalucía, Roman bridges, medieval old towns and Gothic cathedrals often stand within walking distance of one another, creating some of Europe's richest cultural landscapes.

More than beaches

Although Spain is famous for its Mediterranean coastline, this journey also explores the Atlantic coast of Galicia, the modern architecture of Bilbao and the historic cities of Andalucía, showing just how diverse the country really is.

A visual journey through Spain

Andalucía

Córdoba

Christian crucifix framed by an Islamic arch inside the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain — **Faiths Intertwined** A Christian crucifix framed by an ornate Islamic horseshoe arch perfectly illustrates the unique fusion of religious traditions within the Mosque–Cathedral.

Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain — **Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba** One of Spain's greatest monuments, the former Great Mosque is celebrated for its endless rows of red-and-white horseshoe arches and its unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture.

Plaza del Potro in Córdoba, Spain — **The historic Plaza del Potro offers a glimpse into traditional Andalusia.** One of Córdoba's oldest squares, Plaza del Potro is known for its Renaissance fountain and its place in Spanish literary history.

Plaza de la Corredera in Córdoba, Spain — **Plaza de la Corredera is the city's largest public square** Córdoba's largest square is surrounded by colourful arcaded buildings and has served as a bustling marketplace and meeting place for centuries.

Roman Temple of Córdoba, Spain — **The Roman Temple of Córdoba is a relic of antiquity** The surviving Corinthian columns stand as one of the city's finest reminders of its importance during the Roman Empire.

Roman Bridge in Córdoba, Spain — **The ancient Roman Bridge spans the wide Guadalquivir River** Crossing the Guadalquivir River, this ancient bridge has connected Córdoba for nearly two thousand years and offers one of the city's most iconic views.

Parroquia de la Trinidad in Córdoba, Spain — **Parroquia de la Trinidad showcases the height of Andalusian Baroque design** This Baroque church is distinguished by its richly decorated altarpiece and beautifully preserved historic interior.

Ronda

Andalusian countryside surrounding Ronda, Spain — **The Andalusian Countryside reveals the rustic beauty of southern Spain** Olive groves, golden fields and rugged mountains surround Ronda, showcasing the beautiful rural landscapes of inland Andalusia.

Plaza de Toros de Ronda, Spain — **A striking monument stands outside the historic bullring** Regarded as one of Spain's oldest and most important bullrings, the Plaza de Toros played a significant role in the development of modern bullfighting traditions.

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Ronda, Spain — **Nuestra Señora de la Merced is an important religious landmark** This elegant church is one of Ronda's principal religious landmarks, recognised for its Baroque façade and prominent bell tower rising above the surrounding streets.

Bell tower of Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor in Ronda, Spain — **The incredible bell tower of Santa María rises above the historic center** Built on the site of Ronda's former main mosque, this historic church combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and dominates the city's old quarter.

Puerta de Almocábar in Ronda, Spain — **Puerta de Almocábar is a gateway into the past** Dating from the Moorish period, this fortified gateway formed one of the principal entrances into medieval Ronda and remains one of the city's best-preserved defensive structures.

Seville

Chapel of Saint Joseph, Seville — **The Chapel of Saint Joseph is a hidden Baroque treasure** Hidden among Seville's shopping streets, this Baroque chapel surprises visitors with its decorated façade and peaceful atmosphere.

Plaza de España, Seville — **Plaza de España is a masterpiece of Renaissance Revival architecture** Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, this spectacular semicircular plaza is famous for its canals, ceramic bridges and grand Renaissance Revival architecture.

La Giralda Tower, Seville — **La Giralda stands as an iconic symbol of Seville's layered past** Originally built as the minaret of the Great Mosque before becoming the cathedral's bell tower, La Giralda is one of Seville's most recognisable landmarks.

Marble sculpture at Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija — **Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija is an extraordinary hidden treasure** Classical sculptures, Roman mosaics and aristocratic interiors make this palace one of Seville's finest hidden cultural treasures.

Retablo Mayor, Seville Cathedral — **The Retablo Mayor is an overwhelming masterwork of sacred art** The cathedral's immense gilded altarpiece is regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic wood carving in the world.

Interior of Seville Cathedral — **The Seville Cathedral Interior showcases breathtaking monumental scale** Vast vaulted ceilings, soaring Gothic columns and centuries of religious art reflect the immense scale of the world's largest Gothic cathedral.

Royal Alcázar of Seville courtyard — **The Royal Alcázar of Seville is a breathtaking fusion of history** Europe's oldest royal palace still in use blends Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences into one of Spain's most historic monuments.

Exterior of Seville Cathedral — **Seville Cathedral stands as a monumental testament to European history** A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral dominates the city's skyline with its Gothic architecture and the iconic Giralda rising above it.

Summer temperatures in Seville — **Summer in Seville brings intense Mediterranean heat** Temperatures in Seville regularly exceed 40°C during summer, making it one of Europe's hottest cities and a reminder to explore early or late in the day.

Patio de las Doncellas, Royal Alcázar — **Patio de las Doncellas is the legendary heart of the Royal Alcázar** The Royal Alcázar's famous central courtyard combines elegant arches, reflecting pools and Mudéjar architecture into one of Spain's finest palace spaces.

Basque Country

Bilbao

Variante Ovoide de la Desocupación de la Esfera sculpture in Bilbao, Spain — **This monument stands as a triumph of Basque abstract art** The Variante Ovoide de la Desocupación de la Esfera was created by Jorge Oteiza, this monumental steel sculpture overlooks Bilbao's waterfront near the Guggenheim Museum.

Castile and León

Salamanca

Casa de las Conchas in Salamanca, Spain — **Casa de las Conchas is a highly unique fifteenth-century palace** One of Salamanca's most distinctive landmarks, this 15th-century palace is decorated with over 300 carved stone scallop shells, symbolising the Order of Santiago.

Roman Bridge in Salamanca, Spain — **The Roman Bridge is a gateway across the River Tormes** Spanning the River Tormes, this remarkably preserved Roman bridge has welcomed travellers to Salamanca for nearly two thousand years and offers beautiful views of the historic skyline.

La Malhablada painted doorway in Salamanca, Spain — **La Malhablada is a vibrant hub for independent performing arts** A colourful painted doorway leading to one of Salamanca's most creative cultural spaces, where art, literature and theatre bring new life to a historic building in the old town.

Calle Meléndez in Salamanca, Spain — **Calle Meléndez is one of Salamanca's most atmospheric historic streets** One of Salamanca's most charming historic streets, Calle Meléndez is lined with centuries-old sandstone buildings, cafés and small shops, capturing the atmosphere of the city's UNESCO-listed old quarter.

Galicia

Percebes goose barnacles in Galicia, Spain — **Percebes are celebrated as one of Galicia’s most prized seafood delicacies** Known in English as goose barnacles, these highly sought-after treasures are harvested from rocks along the Atlantic coast and are famed for their intense, pure ocean flavor.

Rooms inside Albergue Seminario Menor in Santiago de Compostela, Spain — **Albergue Seminario Menor offers a classic communal pilgrim experience** Simple pilgrim accommodation in Santiago de Compostela, reflecting the practical, communal side of the Camino de Santiago experience.

Dunas de Corrubedo beach in Galicia, Spain — **Dunas de Corrubedo Beach highlights the diverse coastal geography of Galicia** Wide sand, Atlantic waves and open skies make Corrubedo one of Galicia’s most striking coastal landscapes.

Footbridge in Corrubedo Dunes and Carregal Natural Park, Galicia, Spain — **The Corrubedo Natural Park Footbridge offers a low-impact path through nature** A wooden walkway crosses the protected dunes and wetlands, giving visitors a quiet route through one of Galicia’s most important coastal ecosystems.

Vigo waterfront in Galicia, Spain — **Vigo Waterfront is a vibrant space that is linked to a deep maritime identity** Vigo’s waterfront reflects the city’s maritime identity, with public spaces, port activity and views across the Ría de Vigo.

Praia de Rodeira in Cangas, Galicia, Spain — **Praia de Rodeira is a stunning stretch of sand along the Galician coast** Located in Cangas, Praia de Rodeira offers calm waters and views across the Ría de Vigo.

Bateas mussel rafts in Galicia, Spain — **Galician Bateas are a hallmark of northern Spain's marine heritage** These floating mussel rafts are a feature of Galicia’s estuaries and show the region’s deep connection to seafood and the Atlantic.

Spanish Food

Polbo á Feira in Galicia, Spain — **Polbo á Feira** Galicia's famous octopus dish is served with paprika, coarse sea salt and olive oil on a traditional wooden plate. Simple ingredients that let the fresh seafood shine.

Gazpacho in Spain — **Gazpacho** This chilled tomato-based soup is one of Spain's best-known summer dishes, refreshing and packed with fresh vegetables.

Salmorejo in Spain — **Salmorejo** Richer and creamier than gazpacho, Córdoba's famous cold soup is traditionally topped with chopped jamón and hard-boiled egg.

Cheese roll filled with garlic baby eels pincho in Spain — **Creative Pinchos** A cheese roll filled with garlic *gulas* served on bread with lettuce, tomato and vinaigrette.

Empanada Gallega with Tinto de Verano in Galicia, Spain — **Empanada Gallega** Galicia's iconic savoury pie is filled with vegetables, seafood or meat and pairs perfectly with a chilled glass of Tinto de Verano.

Pan de Millo con Pasas in Galicia, Spain — **Pan de Millo con Pasas** A traditional Galician cornbread made with maize flour and sweet raisins, offering a distinctive flavour that reflects the region's baking traditions.

Tinto de Verano in Spain — **Tinto de Verano** A refreshing blend of red wine and lemon soda served over ice, making it one of Spain's favourite warm-weather drinks.

Travel notes

Don't rush Spain

It is tempting to try to visit Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Valencia and more in a single trip, but Spain rewards slower travel. Every region has its own atmosphere, traditions and cuisine, so spending more time in fewer places usually leads to a much richer experience.

Plan around the heat

During July and August, southern Spain can easily exceed 40°C. Sightseeing is best done early in the morning or later in the evening, while the hottest hours are ideal for relaxing indoors or enjoying a long lunch.

Many attractions close midday

Especially in smaller towns, museums, family-run shops and even some restaurants may close for a few hours in the afternoon before reopening later in the day. Always check opening hours in advance so you don't arrive during the midday break.

Choose local neighbourhoods

Some of Spain's best meals are found away from the main tourist squares. Look for neighbourhood bars offering a menú del día rather than restaurants displaying photographs of every dish. Afterwards, do as the locals do: find a terrace, order a drink and simply enjoy the slower pace of Spanish life.